There are times in life when you are reminded of where you came from and some of the values that have influenced who you are today. Yet, also to hold in tension the values of those who’s divergent path is so different to your own.

The Queen was the struggle between historical traditions and their modern evolution. I was touched by the raw capacity to compromise, even in the face of humiliation, matched with the capacity of a people to forgive and share a mutual concern amidst conflicting interpretations.

One criticism that is often made about modern New Zealand, is that we lack an identity. The Queen reminded me of the influence the British worldview has had on the psyche and identity of us as a people. We do have an identity, one that is formed on the premise that values and traditions must change if we are to survive, yet always to respect those whose values have paved a path upon which we could walk into the future. Our identity is deeply rooted in respecting others, yet not being afraid to move forward with new and naive dreams for the future.

I think I can only see that now that I live in the United States, where this worldview is in such contrast. It also surprises me that The Queen has peaked such interest in the United States and can only assume it is because of the power of the story of the Peoples Princess rather than anything else.

So I have come to two conclusions, first that despite the nay sayers I believe in the New Zealand identity, and second, I think Helen Mirren will win best actress at this years Oscars.

And a great Waitangi Day to all you Kiwi’s out there.

Categories: New York
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